Ryan's POV
The morning sun cast long shadows across the recovery area as I helped an elderly wolf to the newly constructed shelter. His weight leaned heavily against my side, his breathing labored despite Diana's treatments having cleared the worst of the plague from his lungs.
"Almost there," I encouraged, adjusting my grip on his thin frame.
"Thank you, Alpha," he wheezed. "Never thought I'd see the day when our own Alpha would help an old wolf like me walk."
I smiled tightly, knowing I deserved no gratitude. "It's the least I can do."
Once inside, a young healer rushed forward to take the man from me, guiding him to a comfortable bed. "Healer Diana said to apply the blue salve every four hours," she instructed him. "She'll check on you this evening."
"Goddess bless that woman," th
